The Listening Campaign, Sh’ma Yisrael By Betty Sunshine
A
havath Achim cultivates a Jewish community of purposeful belonging - inspiring and supporting spiritual journeys by deepening relationships with one another. We create this vibrant, inclusive, spiritual community by empowering individuals to connect Jewishly beyond themselves. To further this vision, the AA has launched a Listening Campaign, at the directive of Mark Stern MD, Chair of the Engagement Committee. The goal of the Listening Campaign is to bring members together to learn and laugh, while deepening connections to one another and to the synagogue. On November 7, 2019, this campaign was launched with the first small group meeting in our home with 15 congregants of diverse demographics in attendance. Sharing of thoughts and feelings, in response to questions regarding Jewish situations that had been meaningful, was, not only informative, but served as a bond among the participants. Trends began to emerge including: the warmth of being in someone’s home, Israel and global Jewish connections, multigenerational Jewish connections, discovering Jewish roots, ruach and prayer through musical participation, Jewish life cycle events, and symbolic items that unify around a Jewish theme. After the synthesis of all the information derived from the Listening Campaign meetings, the Engagement Team will identify common interests, passions, and concerns and begin to invite members together to form small groups. These groups will serve to: focus on the lives and significant concerns of our members; organize around shared interests, life stages, and geographies; feature shared Jewish experiences, learning, and celebration; and will be self-led by lay leaders working in a group dynamic. When invited to attend your Listening Campaign meeting, please respond to the call of the Sh’ma - and hear - and be heard!
3 • January 2020